Pupils get close to the moon in Stowmarket

Pupils at Chilton Community Primary School, Stowmarket, reached for the moon last week when a pack of moon rock samples and meteorites visited the school.

Year Two pupils Maria Eidell and Sophie Meadows are pictured holding one of the meteorite samples provided by the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council .

Courtney Elliston and 'Alfie Mark check out a rock sample

They included a 1.2 billion year old piece of Mars and a 4.3 billion year old nickel meteorite – the oldest object they will ever hold because the solar system is only 4.6 billion years old.

The lunar samples were collected in the late 1960s and early 1970s and though most moonrocks went to scientists, some were used for educational packs like the one loaned to the school.

STFC’s Chief Executive Officer, Doctor Brian Bowsher said “It’s an unforgettable experience to be able to hold such an important part of science history that has made such an incredible journey over millions of miles to reach us – and one we hope will inspire the scientists of the future.”